When Mrs. Merz asks her sixth grade class to write poems of apology, they end up liking their poems so much that they decide to put them together into a book. Not only that, but they get the people to whom they apologized to write poems back.

In haiku, pantoums, two-part poems, snippets, and rhymes, Mrs. Merz’s class writes of crushes, overbearing parents, loving and losing pets, and more. Some poets are deeply sorry; some not at all. Some are forgiven; some are not. In each pair of poems a relationship, a connection, is revealed.

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16 reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

Explores topic poignantly and humorouslyMay 11 2010

By
BBB
- Published on Amazon.com

Format: Hardcover

I'm the parent of a third grader who has begun to seek out poetry to read on her own. She loves this book, which we've read together. She knows about the two naughty words singled out by other reviewers here, and she knows I don't approve of them being used in polite society. I pointed out that the use of the naughty words gives a glimpse of the intensity of the writer's feelings, and that the words are not used as vulgar punctuation or to shock the recipient of the poem. We finished that social lesson and were able to really enjoy the poignancy and humor in the poems. To my knowledge, my third grader has not been using vulgar words since reading this book.

I recommend this book for upper elementary grades and older lovers of poetry. I also recommend Sidman's book "Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors."

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

Fun and FunnyMarch 23 2008

By
K. Fournier
- Published on Amazon.com

Format: Hardcover

After reading this book, it is no surprise that it was chosen as a Texas Bluebonnet Award recipient. Have you ever read that apologetic poem by William Carlos Williams called "This is Just to Say?" If not, let me paste it for you here:

"I have eatenthe plumsthat were inthe icebox

and whichyou were probablysavingfor breakfast

Forgive methey were deliciousso sweetand so cold."

Beautiful, no? Well, a school class, after studying this poem, decided to write their own versions, apologizing to someone and righting a wrong. Well, to their surprise, they got replies! Well-crafted, hilarious, beautiful replies! This poems and their replies are endearingly witty. Two examples- in one, a boy apologizes to the school secretary for sneaking a doughnut, and the secretary replies that his charm is endless, but she still has to call his parents. In another, a girl apologizes for hurting her little sister, and the sister replies, "Roses are red/ violets are blue/ I am still/ pissed off at you." A great read, and I would imagine a fun way to get kids interested in poetry.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

Beautiful example that poetry is for everyone!April 7 2011

By
Librarian Laura
- Published on Amazon.com

Format: Hardcover

This collection of poems features the authentic writing of students. The book opens with poems of apology and ends with poems of forgiveness. The topics range from the silly (a game of kickball) to heartbreaking (Jewel's poem to her father who walked out on the family). The range captures the interest of intermediate aged kids, who still love to be carefree and silly but are also dealing with serious topics like death and crushes. The book is unique because each writer's voice is unique. Some are long and flowery while others are succinct and to the point. The variety pulls the reader into the different emotions. The pictures are just as quirky as the poems and the kids who wrote them. There isn't a note from the illustrator, but it would be interesting to know if the kids who wrote the poem had any say in the picture for their poem. It's hard to pick a poem that should be shared with a class because I think the book as a whole is so important. It demonstrates that kids CAN write poetry. The custodian, the school secretary, students' parents, and even students' siblings contribute to the book. Poetry is for everyone, and this book is a visual motivation for reluctant poetry writers. I will share two of my favorites that I think embody the idea of the book's title: apology and forgiveness."How Slow-Hand Lizard Died"I stole him.Took him home in my pocket.Felt the pulse beatingin his soft green neck.Had no place good to put him.A shoebox.He got cold, I think.Watched his life wink out,his bright eye turn to mud.Brought him back,stiff as an old glove.Hid him in the bottom of the cage.Left the money on Mrs. Merz's desk.(Stole that, too).Won't touch the new lizard.Don't' like to touchmoneyeither. By Anonymous

The response: "Ode to Slow-Hand"The way his heart beat in his throatThe way his toes whispered on our handsLos perdonamosHis skin: rough green clothThe color of new leavesLos perdonamosHis belly: soft as an old balloonHis tongue: lightning's flickerLos perdonamosThe sad way he left usThe sad way you feelLos perdonamosWe forgive you By Mrs. Merz's class

The pairing of the poems gives a class a tool for discussion. The poems go together, but the tone and the flow are different. Each set of poems is a wonderful tool for teaching style and for drawing out a writer's voice.

I reviewed this book for my poetry class at Texas Woman's University. [...]

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful

Apologies and forgivenessSept. 3 2007

By
Nunzio
- Published on Amazon.com

Format: Hardcover

This is such a delightful book to be enjoyed just as much by adults as children. And, perhaps if we were all inspired to write apologies, the world would be a happier place.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

this is just to sayDec 21 2011

By
Margaret Dietz
- Published on Amazon.com

Format: Hardcover
Verified Purchase

I used this book for church and it was a big hit. The children as well and the adults loved the book. I will use it again.